Aelred of Rievaulx lists six stages to be passed through in the attainment of peace of heart and tranquility of mind.
- The rejection of worldly standards, particularly the search for pleasure or possessions and the ambition for honors.
- The setting aside of self-love, vanity, pride, and the comparison of self with others.
- Reflection on the necessities to which one is subject, as a creature subject to the desires of the flesh.
- The experience of one’s one infirmity, i.e., one’s, incapacity to do good and resist evil.
- Learning to place a guard over one’s mouth and to be disciplined and restrained in speech.
- The practice of bodily stillness and stability in all one’s undertakings.
